Mariners rumors: Dan Wilson expected to be fired, but why not Jerry Dipoto?

As the Seattle Mariners concluded a dreadful 2026 season, alterations to the team's top leadership were anticipated. Manager Dan Wilson was expected to be dismissed, but questions arose regarding president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today, Wilson was the anticipated scapegoat for the Mariners' disastrous season, with the possibility of his termination as early as Monday.

However, Dipoto "doesn't appear to be in jeopardy of being fired." Nightengale wrote, "While manager Dan Wilson will be blamed for the Seattle Mariners' embarrassing season and is expected to pay the price by being fired as early as Monday, Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners' president of baseball operations, is under heavy scrutiny." Critics pointed out that Dipoto's tenure has seen the Mariners reach the postseason just twice in 11 years, and veteran catcher Cal Raleigh disclosed cultural issues within the organization.

Following the Mariners' 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels, the team concluded with a 76-86 record, placing them third in the AL West, a season after winning the division and reaching the ALCS. If Seattle continues to fail in making the playoffs, the "fingers will be pointed directly at Dipoto." Nightengale concluded, "If the Mariners don’t reach the postseason next year, those fingers will be pointed directly at Dipoto."